Scyphocrinites sp. aff. elegans
Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea, Family Scyphocrinitidae
Geologic Time: Upper Silurian
Size: Crinoid fossil crown is 150 mm long by 132 mm wide & stem is 38 mm
Fossil Site: Djebel Issoumour, Alnif, Morocco
 Description:
Well-preserved example of a distinctive Camerate crinoid type. This large example
is of the genus Scyphocrinites (Family Scyphocrinitidae). Scyphocrinites was a
cosmopolitan crinoid with examples found of similar ages in the United States,
Africa, Europe, and Asia. It has an intricate calyx with many stellate plates.
A bulbous structure called Camarocrinus has been associated with these crinoids,
and is the reason for its widespread existence in the Upper Silurian/Lower Devonian.
This structure is believed to be a float, with the crinoid leading a pelagic existence,
allowing it to cover much territory. They are sometimes found in mass associations.
This is a fine example of this variety of Camerate crinoid to be found in the
late Silurian deposits of Morocco, with much detail to the calyx, and many fine
pinnules present. |
